The Pacific Islands Forum has postponed its Troika-led mission to New Caledonia initially set for this week, to allow more time to address concerns raised by the New Caledonian Government.
Incumbent Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown announced the delay, stating, “The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has been working with the French State and the Government of New Caledonia to ensure that the objectives and the arrangements for the mission meet the expectations of all relevant stakeholders.
“It was intended that the mission would report to Forum Leaders at the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting in Tonga with the visit scheduled to take place this week. However, the New Caledonia Government has identified a number of issues regarding due process and protocol that will need to be addressed prior to a Troika visit,” said Brown in a statement.
Earlier this month, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders agreed to deploy a Forum Troika-led mission to New Caledonia following the unrest that began on 13 May 2024.
The mission, requested by New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou, was approved by the French State and intended to report back at the 53rd Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga.
Brown said the situation in New Caledonia will now be a key topic of discussion at next week Leaders meeting in Nuku’alofa.
“In order to allow additional time to resolve the concerns of our fellow Forum Member, the Forum Troika has decided to postpone their mission until after the Forum Leaders meeting in Tonga.
“The situation in New Caledonia will be discussed at the Leaders meeting, which will provide further guidance on the way forward to support the situation,” said PM Brown.
However, Brown emphasised that New Caledonia’s concerns need to be resolved before the mission proceeds.
“The Forum family reaffirms its full commitment to support New Caledonia as best as it can during this time, including through the Troika-led mission to New Caledonia at a mutually agreed time,” PM Brown said.
